Okay, confession time! In the name of research, Iâm addicted to True Crime books, shows and podcasts. I’ve gone down some pretty wild rabbit holes in the name of research. And let me tell you, the history of dessert-related crimes is WAY more bonkers than anything I could make up! đŤ
In my latest mystery, “Fudge and Felonies,” my amateur sleuth Ava finds a beauty pageant contestant dead next to a plate of chocolate cupcakes (because apparently, some people will literally die for my recipes đ ). But while Ava’s adventures are purely fictional, history serves up some seriously dark dessert drama that would make even my mischievous Lucky’s fur stand on end! đą
1 | The Chocolate Cream Killer (AKA The Original Mean Girl) đŹ
Picture this: Brighton, England, 1871. Christiana Edmunds (who clearly needed a better hobby) decided the best way to deal with her past relationship drama was to poison a box of chocolates and send them to her ex-lover’s wife. When that didn’t work out (shocker!), she thought, “Hey, why not poison ALL the chocolates?” Classic overachiever move, right?
She started buying chocolates, adding strychnine (because apparently arsenic was too basic), and returning them to the shop. Several people got sick, and sadly, a four-year-old died. Not cool, Christiana. Not cool at all. đ
2 | The Bradford Sweets Disaster (Or Why We Have Food Labels Now) â ď¸
In 1858, a candy maker in Bradford made the mother of all oopsies when he grabbed arsenic instead of plaster of Paris as a sugar substitute. I mean, we’ve all mixed up ingredients before (like that time I used salt instead of sugar in my first batch of cupcakes), but this mistake was next level! Twenty people died, and over 200 got sick. Talk about a bad Yelp review waiting to happen!
The 1930s Australian Norman Pether apparently thought regular Easter eggs weren’t exciting enough, so he added arsenic to his recipe. Spoiler alert: This did not end well. This case is basically why we can’t just walk into stores and buy arsenic anymore. Thanks a lot, Norman! đ
Modern Food Safety (Because We’re Not Savages Anymore) đ
These days, bakeries like my Frosted have more rules than a beauty pageant contestant’s diet plan. Temperature checks, ingredient tracking, proper storage – the works! Though between us, Lucky the cat occasionally thinks these rules are more like suggestions. But hey, at least he’s not adding arsenic to the mix!
Why We’re Still Obsessed đ¤
Let’s be real – there’s something deliciously ironic about murder-by-dessert. It’s like finding out the head cheerleader is secretly a math nerd, or discovering your high school nemesis became a “kindness coach” (looking at you, Brittany Westerheide!). The contrast is just too good to resist!
When I’m writing the Frosted Misfortunes series, I love playing with this sweet-and-sinister contrast. Though unlike these historical cases, my heroine Ava solves crimes instead of baking them into her cupcakes. And her only partner in crime is a slightly chaotic Abyssinian cat who thinks red ribbons are his personal play toys!
So next time you’re enjoying one of my cupcake recipes, rest assured the only thing killer about it is the taste! Unless you’re a character in my books – then all bets are off! đ
Want to dive into a world where the cupcakes are sweet but the crimes are sweeter? Grab Fudge and Felonies today! I promise the only thing you’ll die from is laughter (and maybe a sugar rush). đ§â¨
About the Author
Lisa Siefert is a USA Today Bestselling Mystery Author who writes humorous cozy mysteries. She dedicates all of her free time to testing out different latte flavors at every coffee shop she comes across and has never once skimped on dessert because life is too short not to. She lives in San Diego with Lucky, her own devious but adorable Abyssinian kitten. She excels at recounting every Hallmark Movie plot ever conceived and can also whip up a mean batch of mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Her books feature amateur women sleuths that always believe in silver linings despite all of the murderous clouds surrounding them.
Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes an exciting lineup of books you wonât want to miss! Whether youâre in the mood for heart-pounding thrillers, warm and charming cozies, or twisty mysteries that will keep you guessing, these upcoming titles are sure to keep you turning pages well into the season.
To celebrate these new releases, weâre hosting a giveaway! One lucky winner will receive an eBook of one of the upcoming releases. To enter, simply comment below and let us know: Whatâs your favorite mystery or thriller trope?
We canât wait to see your answers, and good luck!
She just wants to share her delicious sweets. But a sticky surprise has this amateur detective dusting off her snooping skills.
As the chill of February settles in, there’s no better way to warm up than with a good bookâespecially when it involves a little mystery, a lot of intrigue, and a dash of cozy charm. This month, we’re beyond excited to introduce two brand-new cozy mysteries that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat, all while keeping things comfortably cozy.
Did the professor get what he deserved, or is murder on the prowl in small-town California?
As a late-summer heat wave scorches the sleepy town of Citrus Grove, the suspicious death of a notoriously unpopular professor puts Rebecca and her talking cat, Aneksi, hot on the trail of another cursed artifact and a killer.
Police Detective Nick Devon, her dashing new flame, is following the rulebook in his investigation, but the Cuthbert Exotic Antiques manager is trusting her instincts as she follows the clues. With her grandfather distracted by an unexpected visitorâwho may not be what he seemsâand Aneksi rekindling a bond with a long-lost sibling, Rebecca knows sheâs on her own to search for the ancient scepter that may hold the key to the dead professorâs medical miracleâŚand the reason behind his demise.
In this twisty tale of hidden motives, intensifying danger, and a dash of magic, Rebecca must rely on her witsâand, hopefully, Aneksiâs sharp clawsâto solve the case before she becomes the cunning murdererâs next victim.
What you can expect: plenty of feline antics, sharp detective work, and a sense of humor thatâll have you chuckling through every chapter. Whether youâre a die-hard cat lover or just looking for a mystery thatâs both lighthearted and gripping, this cozy is your perfect companion for a chilly February evening.
Join the Shepherd sisters in solving a mysteryâŚbefore itâs too late! This artful cozy mystery is perfect for fans of Krista Davis and Joanne Fluke.
Savanna Shepherd is a former art authenticatorâsomeone who can tell a forgery from the real thing. Sheâs got a talent for spotting secrets hiding in plain sight.
After being fired and dumped in the same terrible day, Savanna moves back to her idyllic hometown on the banks of Lake Michigan. At least sheâs close to her sisters again, and sheâs enjoying her new job as a grade school art teacher.
Savanna even rediscovers her creative soul when an old family friend hires her to paint a mural. But when a cozy book club meeting ends with a possible murder, and then dangerous incidents occur in and around the friendâs mansion, Savannaâs sharp eye is put to the test. With a little help from her sistersâand from Aidan, the intriguing town doctorâwill she be able to figure out whatâs wrong with this picture?
What you can expect: Itâs not just the cleverly crafted mystery, but the rich, atmospheric setting and the fun loving cast. Youâll find yourself guessing at every twist and turn, unable to put the book down until the final page. If you’re looking for a new book to cozy up with, this one will keep you hooked.
Now, more than ever, women are âcarryingâ films based on their perceived value in the industry. More are considered âbox-office-valuableâ and are carrying more wight in the film industry. Women have been contributing to the film industry for decades, but it is most recently that they are finally recognized as having the box office power that men have had.
Women authors have made themselves known in all genres. Women write about women, and a better description cannot be found. Of course, women authors write about many things, but most show us as strong women in challenging circumstances, also known as a day in the life of most women.
When I write, the idea or inspiration usually comes from something a woman has said or done, or both. Itâs as if I hear a call to armsâcome on, tell my story. Then, having heard it, I must. The main character is soon joined by her friends, and maybe an enemy, and I have to write it all down because they are getting to be too many to carry around in my head. This is my process, and it works for me.
Women, in whatever role in life they find themselves, are finally being recognized, whether in the creative arts or medicine, science, education, and so on. They are being judged on their abilities, and that was/is a welcome change.
I will continue to do my part by writing to represent women as we are, and with all of our talents, and yes, even human flaws, and I hope to do it with the respect that women deserve. Because women are, in factâmain characters.
In my most recent series, I have more women in âstarring rolesâ than men. When I introduced a man, Ted, into a relationship with Helen, I tried to make them equals, real partners in life as well as at work. I tried to show their faults, their humanness, along with their talents, and how, with a little help from our friends, we can all be main characters.
Congrats on your release of Retirement Can Be Deadly,Vickie! As for the rest of you, be sure and mark your calendars for Retirement Can Be Deadly book 3, A Wedding and A Murder, releasing May 12th!
Vickie is a published author of over two dozen books, from cozy mystery to paranormal, and a recent jump into romantic suspense, with a new release coming out in July (Savannah Heat). She has published many short stories and articles and has won various awards and commendations over the years. Vickie has been a fulltime writer for the last eight years. She is working on a new blog site, Sweet Tea and Sympathy now, and plans to have it up and running this summer. The blog will focus on the writerâs life, but in particular, the life of a Southern writer. You can find her books on Amazon and sign up to follow her there: Amazon.com/author/vickiecarroll or on Facebook.Â
Nestled in the heart of Misty Harbor, Maine, the Little Dog Diner is more than just a place to grab a biteâitâs the soul of this charming coastal town. Whether youâre a local or a traveler passing through, stepping into the diner feels like coming home.
The scent of freshly baked blueberry muffins wafts through the air as sunlight streams through the windows. Chatter hums in the background, punctuated by the occasional welcoming yips from Pip, Dani Mackenzieâs spirited Jack Russell Terrier, whoâs been known to charm guests as much as the food does.
The dinerâs menu, a celebration of Maineâs flavors, features everything from blueberry pies to buttery lobster rolls and steaming bowls of clam chowder. Daniâs love for cooking shines through in every dish, from a hearty breakfast special to a slice of cake paired with a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. She treats everyone like family, sharing stories over plates of blueberry pancakes or offering a kind word on a rainy day. Her warmth makes every visit unforgettable.
Located near the sparkling waters of Blueberry Bay, the diner offers stunning views of the rocky Maine coast. But itâs more than a culinary destinationâitâs a gathering place for Misty Harborâs quirky, lovable residents and, occasionally, the setting for a little bit of intrigue. From overheard gossip to clues hidden in plain sight, thereâs always an air of mystery lingering in the ocean breeze.
Whether youâre craving a sweet muffin, a bowl of comforting chowder, or simply a friendly face, the Little Dog Diner is the heart of Misty Harbor. And if youâre lucky, you might catch Dani and Pip unraveling their latest mystery while you enjoy your meal.
Misty Harbor may be fictional, but the charm of the Little Dog Diner is real. Canât make it to the Maine coast? Let the Little Dog Diner series transport you there with every turn of the page.
About the Author
Emmie Lyn grew up in a small town in New England, much like the towns where her female characters liveâscenic, quaint and filled with colorful characters. She loves to create mysteries with twists and unexpected turns that draw readers in and capture their imagination.
Emmie lives in rural Massachusetts with her husband, a rescue terrier, and a black cat with a bad attitude. She shares twelve acres with a wide variety of wildlife including deer, bunnies, turkeys, and many songbirds. When sheâs not busy thinking of ways to kill off a character (for a book, of course!) she enjoys a cup of tea and chocolate in her flower garden, hiking, or spending time near the ocean.
